"Remember the prisoners as if chained with them - those who are mistreated - since you yourselves are in the Body also." Hebrews 13:3

Jihad in Nigeria

More than 2,000 civilians have been murdered by Boko Haram terrorists since the beginning of this year alone. Boko Haram Jihadists in Northern Nigeria have forced approximately 650,000 people from their homes, according to the United Nations Humanitarian office (OCHA). Thousands of refugees have fled across Nigeria's borders into Cameroon, Chad and Niger.

Girls Used as Suicide Bombers in Nigeria

On 27 July, a female suicide bomber blew herself up in St. Charles church in Sabon Gari, Kano. The following day, two female suicide bombers blew themselves up at a trade show and petrol station. 30 July, an 18-year old women detonated an explosive device at a college in Kano state polytechnic, killing 16 students as they checked a notice board. The same day another attack was thwarted by police who arrested two Boko Haram Jihadists travelling with a 10-year old girl, who had a suicide explosive belt strapped to her. On 30 July, at least 5 churches were attacked by Muslim Jihadists in Borno state, using petrol bombs and explosive devices.

Violence Against Christians

As we had 18 participants from Nigeria take part in the BWS, the Islamic attacks against Christians in Jos, Platau state, gripped our attention and prayers during the course. Upon returning to their homes, some of the GCC participants, who live in Jos, sent us photographs and reports on the hundreds of people killed and many churches destroyed during the wave of violence against Christians. Reportedly 40,000 people were displaced and lost their homes.

Battleground

Even before its Independence in 1960, Nigeria had been a battleground between the Muslim North and the Christian South. Nigeria has never really been one homogenous country. The area today known as Nigeria existed as a number of independent and hostile nations until 1900. Britain was requested to intervene in the area in the 1800s, by the Yoruba king, to stop the ravages of the slave trade.